Manuel Velazquez has been near the top of North American classical guitar builders for decades. Born in Puerto Rico in 1917, Velazquez moved to the United States in 1942 and over several periods has had shops in New York City and Puerto Rico.
This Ano 1969 Manuel Velazquez Classical guitar was built in 1969, after Velazquez’ 1966 return to the US. At this point, he was working alone and building 10 to 15 instruments per year.
This remarkable instrument has a concert-size body, using a lovely spruce top with bearclaw figuring while the back, sides and bridge are Brazilian Rosewood. The neck is Mahogany with an unbound ebony fingerboard. The scale length is 650mm, the nut width 54mm. The frets are original with very little wear.
The finish is French Polish, intended to protect the wood yet allow it to resonate with minimal restrictions on the production of tone. This hand applied lacquer finish is in good condition. There are some marks on the back in the upper bout – possibly case bites. Otherwise the instrument is in very good condition.
For hardware, the nut and saddle are Bone and the tuners are Landstorfer engraved tuners with ivoroid buttons. These tuners are now made in Munich, Germany by Klaus Reischl, who worked with Landstorfer from 1952; when Landstorfer died in 1976, Reischl bought the business from his widow and these tuners are now branded Reischl.
The action is currently set at 9/64ths treble to 10/64ths bass. It’s very comfortable to play and has a wonderful, responsive tone.
A non-original hardshell case is included.
Serial Number: N/A, dated Ano 1969; built by Manuel Velazuez in New York City
Pricing: $14,950.00 CAD with non-original case.
Status: SOLD
